FREEHOLD – A Monmouth County Grand July determined Friday that there was not enough evidence to criminally charge the former Long Branch superintendent accused in a civil suit of sexually assaulting a colleague.

Former Long Branch school district secretary Adele Russo claimed in a civil lawsuit filed in 2011 that the former Long Branch schools superintendent Joseph Ferraina sexually assaulted her using a sexual object and forced her to perform oral sex on him, New Jersey Newsroom reported in 2011.

Ferraina’s attorney, John Jay Perrone, said the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office began investigating the case due to the criminal allegations in the civil suit. On Friday, a grand jury determined there was not enough probable cause to criminally charge Ferraina, Perrone said.

“They [the 23-member grand jury] conferred and they found out there was not even probable cause to sustain any of her allegations that she was sexually assaulted,” said Perrone, adding he was told both the alleged victim and a detective were called on to testify during the secret process.

“We’re pleased with the whole process. Too many people criticize the process, that it’s just a rubber stamp from the prosecutor’s office, but here it shows you why we have the system,” Perrone said.

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni also said the grand jury found that the evidence was insufficient and that is different from someone being acquitted of a crime.

“That’s equally part of our job as it is getting the indictments returned,” Gramiccioni said. “That to us is the same thing as getting a return because that’s what their function is for, assessing these proofs.”

Perrone said Ferraina did not want to speak with the media, but said on his behalf that “he’s relieved, not surprised” at the grand jury’s findings.

“Joe’s been in public service for years and years and really had a love for the education system, and to end his career this way is just a shame,” Perrone said.

Perrone said Ferraina is just “riding it out” and waiting to live his retirement. Ferraina retired in June 2011 from the school district.